Nebraska will debate a bill which would bar local municipalities from enacting laws protecting gay and transgendered people, the AP reported.

Introduction of state Senator Beau McCoy's measure coincides with a proposal before the Omaha City Council which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment and service providers such as restaurants, hotels and bars. The proposal would exempt religious organizations.

McCoy's measure will be heard Wednesday before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. Under the proposed legislation, cities and counties would be blocked from enacting anti-discrimination rules beyond those which the state has approved.